Brussels set to give ‘peace building’ funds to armed forces

Brexit

Amendment could allow spending on military equipment and training to Africa and the Middle East. The EU is set to hand over funds earmarked for “peace building” and development to armed forces in Africa and the Middle East, overriding concerns from its legal services that such a move breaks the bloc’s laws.

Brussels is proposing to change the rules of its €2.4bn “Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace”, which normally focuses on programmes such as maternity healthcare in Syria, to allow funds to be spent on military equipment and training in developing countries.

The amendment will be put forward by the commission on Tuesday, and comes after heavy lobbying in favour of such a move by member states.

The draft proposal from the European Commission seen by the Financial Times states that these funds “may be used to build the capacity of military actors in partner countries” in some circumstances.

The EU has attempted to align its development policy with its foreign policy in recent years with an increased focus on security, in a move that has been welcomed by the likes of Berlin and Paris but sharply criticised by some human rights groups.


The author: Margareta STROOT

Margareta Stroot, a multi-talented individual, calls Brussels her home. With a unique blend of careers, she balances her time as a part-time journalist and a part-time real estate agent. Margareta's deep-rooted knowledge of the city of Brussels, where she resides, has proven invaluable in both of her roles. Her journalism captures the essence of the city, while her real estate expertise helps others find their perfect homes in the vibrant Belgian capital.

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